No stirrups

As I mentioned in my last post, I dropped my stirrups and did some dressage.  I've done it a couple more times since and I'm loving it.  Somehow I had started equating no stirrups to jumping work and the hatred it inspires, but when one does not currently have a dressage saddle, dropping stirrups in the jump saddle makes for happier dressage.  Seriously we have had some rocking sitting trot, stupendous canter, and many many many great transitions!  I have also been really committed to doing some lateral work throughout every ride.

Fancy pony

 In this one I need my leg pulled a little more under me so that I can support and encourage him to lift his back a bit more and thereby engage his hind end and step through.  That said I'm still really happy with how he looks.

Pretty but a little stiff

Love the uphill

Overall the theme is needing to stretch more over the top line and step through more from the hind end.  He is starting to find his own balance more and more.  He is getting lighter on the front and in the reins and has a much larger range of tempos with in each gait.

Bam

He is getting to be very responsive to my seat and understanding subtlety.


Then I watch the video and I feel like it is all hogwash.  In an effort to stay positive though, I like my leg, I like my hands, I like most of his transitions.  I'm not a fan of when I look bouncy or when he braces up, but I really can't complain considering this is only his eighth month off the track.  Speaking of eight months off the track, check out his latest body shot by Alyssa!

Hubba hubba!